How Far Will a Block Travel Up a 32-Degree Ramp with Initial Speed of 3.7 m/s?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating how far a block will travel up a 32-degree frictionless ramp when given an initial speed of 3.7 m/s. Participants emphasize two primary approaches: using kinematic equations and applying the conservation of energy principle. Both methods reveal that the mass of the block is irrelevant, as it cancels out in the calculations. The key takeaway is that the acceleration must be determined to solve for the distance traveled up the ramp.

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Homework Statement


A block is given an initial speed of 3.7 m/s up a frictionless plane angled at 32 degrees. How far up the ramp will the block travel

Homework Equations


v^2 = v null^2 +2a delta x

The Attempt at a Solution


3.7^2 -0^2/(2*9.8) =x
my biggest issue is that i wasn't given a mass, and i can't find it using any of the formulas i know since i also don't have the force. I feel like I am using the wrong formula since I am not using the angle at all. [/B]
 
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Hi Cantphysics,

Welcome to Physics Forums.

There are two approaches. One using the kinematic equations where you'll need to draw a free body diagram for the block on the ramp to determine the acceleration. You'll find that the mass variable will eventually cancel out so you don't need a value for it. The other approach is to use conservation of energy. Again the mass will cancel out.
 
Notice that the only data you have not been explicitly given is the acceleration. To find that, you will need to follow the procedure suggested gneill in post #2
 

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